Categories: Windows 11 & Windows 10Windows Server

SOLVED: Core Isolation Memory Integrity Incompatible Drivers WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS

If you are trying to tighten up your security by adding Virtualization-Based Security (aka VBS) to your Windows 11 you might find this error:

Core Isolation  Memory Integrity
Incompatible Drivers WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS

Driver date: 11/29/2017
Driver version: 1.2.0.0

Published name: oem26.inf

This is an old driver that ships with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and very few people need it.  In fact we have never run into a situation of any machine using WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS .

Fortunately, it is very easy to remove:

  1. RIGHT click on the START button and select WINDOWS TERMINAL (ADMIN)
    • If you are on Windows 10, select POWERSHELL (ADMIN)
  2. You can then list all of the drivers on your computer using pnputil /enum-drivers and find the one with WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS or you can just look at the error message.  In my case the driver that needs to go is OEM26.INF
  3. Uninstall the driver using pnputil /delete-driver oem<XX>.inf

You do NOT need a reboot so you can immediately retry to enable CORE ISOLATION and you should see a prompt to reboot once Core Isolation > Memory Integrity is turned ON.

View Comments

  • I used this method and it worked to get rid of the file. My issue is, I still can't turn on the Memory integrity, due driver incompatibilities. I have restarted my computer and still same issue. When I look to resolve any incompatibilities there are no drivers listed.

  • same result - "one or more devices using the same specified INF". Without oem-number : "the specified file is not installed oem inf."

  • I also had the same issue where it was telling me that I could not delete the driver. But if you put a space, then type /force it will delete the driver without issue. Just copy this command and replace the with your specific INF number. pnputil /delete-driver oem.inf

  • I had the same message as Don when trying to remove driver oem47.inf in Windows 11 (Western Digital MyBook)

  • I tried the above solution but got the following message: Failed to delete driver package: One or more devices are presently installed using the specified INF. Suggestions?

  • I am NOT allowed to delete mine with the name oem19.inf (WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS) so i guess i have to live WITHOUT core security . I have an external and an INTERNAL WD (i think this is why they wont allow me to delete it .Dont buy WDC its CRAP

    • Were you accessing cmd as administrator? Hold ctrl+alt+shift before you hit enter and it should open it with admin privilege.

    • When you run the Terminal / Powershell, whichever you choose, make sure to choose the Admin version. If it doesn't show an admin version, be sure to right-click the terminal entry and choose "Run as administrator".

    • I solved this issue following the following simple and detailed instructions:

      SOLVED: Core Isolation Memory Integrity Incompatible Drivers WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS
      Published by Ian Matthews on November 8, 2021

1 2 3 … 9
Leave a Comment
Published by
Ian Matthews
2 years ago

This website uses cookies.